Human Resource Officer (Employee Relations/Benefits)

Key Responsibilities

To assist with the processing of pension benefits and the application for vacation leave.

• Advises staff on matters relating to pensions; 
• Obtains information on financial status of perspective retirees from Accounts Unit.
• Prepares documents for the processing of retirement benefits for submission to Pensions Branch 
• Prepares documents for submission to the Conditions of Service Section on matters relating to pre-retirement leave and linking of service. 
• Computes leave entitlements for staff 
• Advises staff on matters relating to leave entitlement 
• Prepares submissions to the Chief Medical Officer – Ministry of Health for Medical Board to determine suitability of officers who have been on extended sick leave or recommendations for special sick leave 
• Assists in the preparation of the leave roster. 

To ensure that service records are up-to-date and maintained. 

• Manages the updating of service records for all employees of the Ministry;
• Maintains a system for revising and updating such documents as necessary;
• Maintain accurate time and attendance records for all members of staff and issues warning letters as required; 
• Prepares monthly schedules of employees who are habitually late or absent for submission to the Human Resource Management Committee (HRMC); 
• Assists in the monitoring of the Attendance Register 
• Prepares monthly schedule of employees who are habitually late or absent for the attention of the Senior, Human Resource Officer 
• Prepares documentation for submission to the Disciplinary Committee for employees who are habitually late and/or absent. 

To assist with the provision of personnel, administrative and benefit services to employees of the Ministry 

• Prioritises and co-ordinates the issuing of leave approvals for all members of staff.
• Prepares documents relating to staff requests for the payment of salary in lieu of vacation leave. 
• Submits timely information to Finance & Accounts, Accountant General Department and taxation Division on employees who are separating from the Service and follows through on cases of indebtedness. 
• Co-ordinates the preparation of the Ministry's annual vacation leave roster.
• Advises Heads of Units and members of staff on matters relating to the grant of leave of all types. 
• Provides guidance to junior staff on leave and pension-related matters and ensure that they are kept aware of new guidelines/amendments. 
• Verifies officer’s eligibility for various benefits and prepares submission to the relevant divisions for processing. 
• Advises officers on the outcome of their applications for various benefits.

To contribute to the establishment of an environment that is conducive to motivating staff and ultimately enhances productivity. 

• Assists in the implementation of programmes related to staff welfare e.g. canteen, sports, transportation, first aid, rest room facilities and community involvement. 
• Participates in the execution of the Ministry’s Wellness Programmes as specified, to promote and encourage a balanced approach to living; 
  • AIDS Programme 
  • Jamaica Cancer Society 
  • Diabetics Association 
  • Blue Cross of Jamaica 

To assist with the planning and implementation of social, welfare and outreach programmes

• Assists with the coordination of functions planned by the HRM Unit and the Staff Social & Outreach Association (SSOA). 
• Performs the Administrative duties for the SSOA, which supports the integration of staff and outreach programmes to the Community. 
• Assists in the preparation of the annual rewards and recognition function.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

Core 

• Job Knowledge 
• Teamwork and cooperation 
• Ability to act on own initiative 
• Good interpersonal Skills 
• Good oral and written communication 
• Good customer relations skills 
• Confidentiality 

Technical 

• Sound knowledge of Human Resource processes and procedures. 
• Sound knowledge of office computer applications. 
• Knowledge of benefits administration 
• Counselling skills 

Minimum Required Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Management Human Resource Management or Management Studies.
• Two (2) years experience in a related area. 

OR 

• Diploma in Human Resource Management. 
• Four (4) years experience in a related area.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.